Many factors affect both the process and outcome of a bike fit, including:

The riding experience, training load and goals of the cyclist

The issues (physical, comfort, performance) being experienced by the cyclist

The skill and experience of the fitter

The time invested in the fitting process

The tools and technologies employed in the fitting process

If the cyclist is a “micro adjuster” (very sensitive) or a macro-absorber (highly tolerant) of a change in bike setup

A bike fit may take place on the cyclist’s own bike, or on an adjustable size (fit) cycle. If the fitting takes place on a size cycle, the resultant fit co-ordinates still have to be transferred to the cyclists bike. In either case, the fitting is done in a controlled environment with the cyclist pedaling for a limited amount of time in a stationary situation.

The validation of a bike fit can only take place after a fit is over and when the cyclist is out riding and subjecting themselves to their normal level of riding stress (effort, duration, distance). It is normally expected that it will take multiple rides for the cyclist’s body to adapt to changes made in the bike set up, and for the full benefit of the bike fitting to be realized. It is also reasonable to expect that further refinements in the bike set up may be needed in response to the cyclist’s feedback as they accumulate more time in the adjusted position.